Flydubai attack: Netanyahu speaks of "Islamist radicalisation" of Omani co-pilot
Israeli Prime Minister accuses Omani co-pilot of "Islamist radicalisation" and intent to bring down Flydubai flight. The perpetrator was arrested by Saudi authorities.
Netanyahu: "There is no doubt he wanted to commit suicide" — attack on Flydubai cockpit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Omani co-pilot of a Flydubai flight of "Islamist radicalisation", arguing that the man intended to bring down the aircraft. According to To Vima, Netanyahu made these statements in an interview with Fox News, citing analysis of the perpetrator's personal details.
The co-pilot, who has been publicly identified only as a citizen of Oman, was arrested and is being questioned by Saudi authorities. Netanyahu stated that the man is expected to be transferred to the United Arab Emirates for further questioning, with Israeli services also participating in the investigation.
"There is no doubt he wanted to commit suicide," said the Israeli Prime Minister, referring to the co-pilot who, according to passenger testimony, was shouting "kill me" after being restrained. Among the passengers who managed to subdue him was a plumber, who prevented him from blocking the aircraft's controls.
The weapon: knife or emergency axe
Passengers and officials described the captain as having suffered "stab wounds". Netanyahu added that the pilot was stabbed or struck with an axe, however the authorities have not publicly confirmed details about the weapon used.
The Israeli Prime Minister outlined two possible scenarios for how the object came to be on the aircraft: the co-pilot may not have passed through a metal detector, meaning "he could have brought a knife or axe with him", or alternatively he used the emergency axe that is mandatory safety equipment on passenger flights.
Motive and possible connections
Investigators continue to seek what prompted the Omani to attack his fellow captain. The United Arab Emirates is examining whether the incident is connected with "terrorist activity".
Netanyahu acknowledged that it is still too early to determine whether the co-pilot had connections with Iran or another entity, though he stressed that the picture is expected to become clearer within the coming days.
Condition of injured captain
Captain Smit Machchhar underwent surgery on Wednesday. His condition is described as stable, according to a local official from his home city.
Landing and role of stand-in crew
Flydubai announced that the aircraft "was successfully recovered by the off-duty crew of the airline who were on the flight, who performed the diversion and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk airport".
Personnel screening and security protocols
An Israeli security official told CNN that the Shin Bet internal security service is expected to screen all airline personnel operating flights to Israel from the United Arab Emirates. Israel operates some of the strictest aviation security protocols globally.
Source: To Vima